By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Harder times have befallen primary school teachers in Kaduna state due to what they claimed is their non-receipt yet of the N70, 000 national minimum wage.
In an open letter to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, dated Thursday, January 24, 2025, and made available to journalists in Kaduna,they decried the attitude of government in not giving them their legitimate due.
“We, the primary school teachers of Kaduna State, humbly write to bring to your attention the ongoing hardship we face due to the non-implementation of the new minimum wage in our state.
“Despite the Federal Government’s progressive step to increase the national minimum wage to N70,000, we, the teachers responsible for shaping the future of our nation, have been excluded from its benefits.
“Primary school education forms the bedrock of Nigeria’s development, yet the failure to adopt the new minimum wage in Kaduna State leaves us struggling to meet basic needs and demotivated in carrying out our duties.
“The impact of this neglect extends beyond our personal lives, as it compromises the quality of education we provide to the children entrusted to our care.
“Your Excellency, we appeal to you as the leader of our great nation to intervene and ensure that the Kaduna State government fulfills its obligation to implement the minimum wage for all primary school teachers”, the letter stated.
Signed by a faceless group identified as Concerned PSTs (Primary School Teachers) of Kaduna State, for fear of victimization, the teachers while complaining, recommended three actions for immediate Implementation,in case there is official lack of ideas on how to go about the matter.
For one, they said the Federal Government can issue a directive to the Kaduna State government to immediately implement the new minimum wage.
Titled: ‘Dear Mr. President: Non-Implementation of New Minimum Wage in Kaduna State’, the group also urged for timely payment, when implementation begins, and assurance that teachers’ salaries will be paid regularly to alleviate financial strain and foster a motivated workforce.
Accordingly, they also called for what they described as “Accountability Mechanism Enforce” to compel Local Government Chairmen to ensure compliance with the federal directive.
The teachers also suggested punishment for defaulters.
They stated: “Additionally, we suggest the following consequences for non-compliance: Sanctions: Impose administrative or financial penalties on Local Government officials who fail to implement the minimum wage.
“Leadership Review: Replace any Local Government Chairman who consistently neglects this responsibility, ensuring that committed and capable leaders are in office.”
Crying out to President Tinubu to rescue them, the teachers said: “Mr. President, your intervention will not only alleviate our financial burdens but also restore our confidence in the Federal Government’s dedication to justice and equity.
“By addressing this issue, you will reaffirm the critical importance of education and the teachers who provide it in building a brighter future for Nigeria.
“We remain hopeful and trust in your commitment to ensuring a fair and prosperous Nigeria for all. Thank you for your attention and timely action on this matter.”